Mom and Dad's visit June 2009

Heidelberg Castle

Over the weekend, we went down to Heidelberg to see the "Schlossbeleuchtung", the lighting of the castle. There are three times every summer when the well-known Schlossbeleuchtung and fireworks display takes place – the first Saturday’s in June and September, and the second Saturday in July.The castle lighting is done in memory of the three times when the castle went up in flames (1689, 1693 and 1764). The first two times were due to wars with the French, and the last time by lighting.After the castle “burning” begins, a 15 minute fireworks display is launched from the Old Bridge.


Another shot during the Schlossbeleuchtung

Turkey June 2009

So, this is my dear little friend, Feline. She is the most well-behaved 3 year old I've ever met. I got to hang out with her and her mom and a few other ladies from Denmark while we were there. They were so much fun!


The entertainment at dinner our last night in Turkey was fantastic!


This is where the dinner was at a hotel in Kusadasi.


Another picture just before the traditional Turkish dinner.


Andy and I shopping in downtown Kusadasi, where it is much different than West Town Mall! I love bargaining! And, yes, those are nacho doritos I found at one of the stands. I even got the price down 50% on those.


Ok, so, after our tour of Ephesus and Mary's house, they took us to a carpet-making school, and then tried to sell it to us. It really was fascinting though.


This is a carpet in progress. The ladies make them by hand, and in Tukey, they use the double-knot technique. They say it is a dying art, and I can see why after watching how tedious it is. I asked the salesman how much the women are paid as my first question to his sales pitch.


One of the theaters at the ruins of Ephesus. This is where the apostle John and the Virgin Mary went later in life, they say. It was a part of the Roman empire 2000 years ago.


The infamous Ephesus library. It was the 3rd largest library in the ancient world behind Alexandria (in Egypt) and Pergamum (in Turkey).


This is a common bathroom of Ephesus. Seriously, it's a 2000 year old set of marble toilettes. Back in those days, when it was cold outside, aristocrats would make their servants "warm up the toilet" for them...what you don't see is a small playhouse across from the toilets, which gave the aristocrats something to do while they were...well...


It is incredible how well-preserved this city is.


The common medicine symbol was found on this stone just outside of a small building that they think might have been a clinic there in the town 2000 years ago.


A mini-ampitheater in Ephesus


Outside of Mary's house, similar to the wailing wall in Jerusalem, I left a prayer there for our families.


This is where they think the Virgin Mary lived out her last years, just outside of Ephesus. Blessed by the pope as a sacred site, each year, thousands take a pilgrimage to visit the place they believe Jesus' mother may have lived and died.


Temple of Diana, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. And yes, that little ant is Andy.


At the Temple of Diana


On the terrace of our hotel after a meal of questionable quality... :) But the view...fantastic.



Gorgeous view from our room.

This was our first trip to Turkey, but hopefully not the last. We had an amazing time visiting the ruins of historical Ephesus, enjoyed some bargain shopping, and met some new friends that we hope to keep in touch with for a long time to come.

Rome with Zabrina and Kathleen

We visited the shrine for St. Sabastian, just outside the city walls. It is also said that St. Peter and St. Paul may have been buried here as well. This church was built over the catacombs where the Christians and Romans were buried 2000 year ago.


The colosium at night. I'm trying so hard to be like my sister with my photography skills!!


At the National Museum of Rome


The Trevi Fountain


St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican City. We did a fantastic tour through the Vatican Museum and of the Sistine Chapel.


We don't see nuns very often in Tennesse.


Zee and I in front of the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Fastina, built by the Senate to honor Emperor Antonius Pius and is wife, Faustina.


Inside the Coloseum, or the Flavian Amphitheater, that housed 50,000 fans 2,000 years ago.


Zee and I just outside of St. Peter's Basilica.


Steph, Kathleen, and Zee just after an amusing dinner!

I had a wonderful time with Zee and Kathleen when they came--I just wish I could've been with them longer. They stayed in Ketsch with me for a few days before heading to East Germany, Austria, Florence, and the Rome, where I met up with them. Plenty of Italian men were asking when Zee was coming back to visit! I really miss my family!

Starnberg/Berg with the Hales

During WWII, the Jews were marched through this area on their way to the Dachau concentration camps. In late 1945, a monument was erected in their honor.

Starnberg is one of the wealthiest areas in Germany! Andy was salivating as these cars were the norm. (that's a 1959 Corvette)


The Starnberger See, one of the many sights of King Ludwig II of Bavaria's playgrounds.


Incredible views during lunch with the Hales.


Bavaria is quite different than the rest of Germany. Bavarians still often wear their traditional dress in everyday life. We happened to stumble apon a Mayflag celebration in the local town of Berg.



Terri, Jim and I enjoying our last dinner!

Truly, our weekend with Jim and Terri was refreshing, both physically and spiritually. It was great to catch up with the Hales and learn about their ministry to the youth of Europe. Remarkable trip!

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The Bavarian Alps were just breathtaking. Lake Eibsee is at the foot of Zugspitze.


The Zugspitze is the highest point in Germany, reaching 9,718 feet, and is just on the Austrian border. It was 78 degrees at the foot of the mountain, but people were skiing at the top!


At the top of Zugspitze!


The traditional Bavarian dress was sold at several stores. They are beautiful (and expensive).



Bavarian slap dancers.



We actually met the man who painted this building at a small pub in town.



The interior of this church from the 12th century was amazing.


This church was built in the 12th century!!


Painted houses and building is a common sight in Bavaria.

Easter in Speyer

Speyer Cathedral, built in 1030.

The front of the Cathedral

Service on Easter Sunday

The music was unbelievable.

The historic town of Speyer is about 7 miles away from us, housing this 1,000 year old cathedral. The town was a part of the Roman Empire 2,000 year ago. There is definitely something special about standing in a place where Christians have worshipped for a millennium.